Tombstone epitaph., 1887-09-17
THE LAST MAN.


 The light was we'll spent, and darkness was near, when the enemy's attacks ceased on that part of the Federal line at Chickamauga which was held by the troops under Thomas, on the second day. Between the left of these forces and that s remainder of the army which had not left the field lay long stretch of forest, effec- tually cutting off the view between the two points. Just at dusk there was borne across this forest sound of rapid mus ketry, but this was soon over, and then followed prolonged cheering. It was clear to those with Thomas that the cheers came from COnfederates, and signified a capture of more or less importance. The incident served, in connection with what followed, to cast deeper gloom over the exhausted soldiers.
 That which followed was an order to withdraw from the field in retreat to Chattanooga. The left of Thomas line rested upon 8 ridge, the end of which was covered with standing corn. At the foot of the ridge, to the left, was fence, and beyond this the forest already men, tioned. A line ol Federal skirmishers was posted along the fence, and the orders were for this line to remain until the troops were well off the ridge in their re- treat, and then to quietly withdraw and make the best of their way to rejoin the column. The skirmish line was composed of single regiment, and captain was in command, all the field officers having fallen in the two days fighting. The cap tain, straight and soldierly fellow, with bright brown hair and beard closely cut, was waiting with what patience he could command until his time came to retreat. It was an uncertain service at best, this staying behind in sfirmish line while the army marched away. So thought the captain, evidently, as he moved uneasily few paces back and forth behind his men. There was something else to trouble him; he winced whenever he put his left foot to the ground.
 The captain had been waiting nearly half an hour when there came an ominous sound from the forest in front. It was too dark to see, but there could be no mis- taking that sound. It was the tramp of men coming cautiously on, as a force would do in the dark, expecting to meet an enemy at every step. The captain thought it yet too early to retire, and so there was nothing for it but to await the oncoming force and trust to fortune. On 1t came, and presently the dusky forms of q line of skirmishers were seen scarcely thirty paces in front of the Federal line At the same instant the captains men, standing silently in their places, were dis covered by the others. Neither knew certainly to which army the other be- longed. The line which came from the wood halted without command, hesitating Then an officer stepped forward and de- manded:
 "What troops are those?"
 Not at loss for moment, the Federal captain responded:
 "All rightl We're going up the hill. Be ready to support us Now, then, men quietly! Pass the word alongr'
 Whatever the doubts of the other, the captain was sure that the force confront ing him was Confederate. He was at last relieved of uncertainty-he must move now. His men understood; the command went from man to man in low tones, and the whole line of skirmishers quietly turned and marched up through the corn to the top of the ridge. As they came to the open ground at the summit all was still about and in front of them. Their comrades were out of hearing in thSh AStAOots AhO SOPttlh llOuuVCu HIS horse-which an orderly had been holding while the captain was on foot with his skirmishcrs-and put his little regiment in motion to follow the army. He him. self remained until the last of his men had filed by, aud then followed As he did this, he turned his face as if for a last look at the bloody field. There was noth- ing there now but darkness and silence. Perfect silence, 1t seemed, thinking of what had been there less than two hours before. It was perfect silence, save that 200 yards down the ridge to the front, where the enemy's dead and wounded lay thickest, sharp cry came up out of the night now and then, as the hospital corps lifted sufferer too roughly or turned some poor fellow over upon 8 mangled limb. Save, also, that rustling noise in the corn through which he had just come told the captain that the enemy's skir- mishers left at the fence below were already moving on his track.
 "The last man at Chickamaugar' nut tered the captain as he rode on after his regiment.
 They passed briskly down the rearward slope into the deeper shadow of the valley, and presently turning their heads to look behind, saw faintly outlined against the sky the figure of the southern administers as one after another they emerged from the corn and stood upon the crest.
 The last of Chickamaugal An, mol Not the last; for as the little rear guard reached tho lower ground they came upon their wounded comrades, who, too badly hurt to 50 cn to the rear, had yet with untold agony dragged themselves back from the fire swept ground in front, and so got partial shelter. Along the route these wretched sufferers lay thickly. Here one with an arm half torn off; there foot dangling; here poor fellow shot through the body, his death question not of hours, but of minutes; and so on, In sickening continuance. And all want ing water! There had been none all day, and the retreating soldiers were marching with lips and tongues blackened and swollen and cracked with thirst, until many could utter no articulate sound.
 "Boys, you won't go and leave us here?'
 "For Gods sake, waterl waterp'
 "Boys, are you on the retreat, and leaving us behindy'
 "You ought to hold the ground, boys, till they took care of usl''
 "Waterl wateri Don't let us die herer'
 Pitiful, pitiful anpealsl And all in vain. Not canteen of water in the whole command. Not an ambulance within miles. Nothing but victorious foe behind, an unknown way in front, md the blackness of night over alll Pitiful, pitifuli Harder to face--these reDrOaches-thaD all of Rraop,a artillarv